Workplace trends will continue to grow in the coming years. These emerging trends may have an impact on the future of work, creating more and better opportunities for employees. Increased reliance on technology has changed the nature of the work we do by enabling a collaborative work environment, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive work culture. The businesses must identify these industry shifts to create more progressive workplaces. In this blog, we highlight some of these workplace trends. We also discuss how women help each other grow in the workplace and maintain a work-life balance, productivity, and a positive attitude at work.
Work Sector Transformation
Organizations are clearly undergoing a change in their relationship with their own idea of a centralized and organized workplace. Today, organizations no longer expect their employees to come in suits. Traditional office hours have become more flexible as more employees have started to work remotely. Employers now understand the critical importance of building employee wellbeing and mental health. Employees are also embracing a less traditional workplace and preferring organizations that encourage skills, creativity, and innovation.
Keeping pace with the future, there have been significant changes in the workplace we know today. These changes include hybrid work, improved employee productivity & wellness, better management practices, and so many more. Some of these changes are a result of technology, while others have come because of shifting perspectives and expectations.
Regarding the changes brought in by technology, people in almost all the sectors are increasingly expected to augment their abilities with technology. The usage of mobiles and various other electronic mediums has drastically increased amongst the workforces. Smartphones are providing access to information, learning, and networking in ways that were not possible earlier. Technology has fuelled the ability for employees to work in a multitude of new ways, which has given rise to flexible work arrangements. Today, people can engage in real-time knowledge sharing and collaborative work as well as work remotely and be part of teams around the world. So, this has transformed the work culture to be much more diverse and inclusive.
Remote vs Hybrid Work: Impact on Productivity
These are times when organizations and employees are both evaluating the pros and cons of different modes of work. It is very important for everyone to maintain work-life balance as well as be productive and efficient at work. It is important to understand what the organization needs and how one can best contribute. Suppose an organization has a lot of new people joining regularly who need training and support; then the work will obviously be productive and efficient if one is physically present to collaborate, train, and mentor. Alternatively, working on an important project that needs an undivided attention, one would prefer to work remotely. So, it depends on what the needs of an organization are, because ultimately, the aim is efficiency. Hybrid work, in contrast, facilitates work-life balance and improves productivity. It offers the best of both. Being in regular touch with your colleagues improves collaboration, and personal commitments can also be managed without compromising productivity at work.
Evolving Work Situations
Emerging trends keep driving changes in the work environment to help business stay relevant in the constantly evolving market.
Technology is one of these major drivers. Cloud computing, digital transformation, automation, and advanced technologies such as AI & ML are all helping businesses improve productivity and scalability. Then, there is an increase in the use of virtual communication platforms to support hybrid work environments and improve collaboration. Also, with the kind of advancements that are happening around extended reality, the workforce of the next decade can experience brainstorming, training, learning, and working together in the metaverse.
Another noteworthy workplace trend is greater emphasis on employee experience and engagement. The employers are considering every possible measure to improve the employee experience. Providing a variety of technology, equipment, and recognition programs, for example, can help ensure the success of a remote and hybrid workforce.
According to employees, the coming decade will see a more diverse influx in the workplace. More creativity and innovation are in the works. The formal corporate structure will give way to a culture that is more open, relaxed, comfortable, and employee friendly.
Keeping up with the trends
The first step to stay relevant is to be aware of what is changing and what factors are driving it. Identifying these trends and acknowledging their importance for the workplace requires special attention from the leaders. The key to achieving this is prioritization. One must focus on what is required and needs absolute attention.
Moreover, digital literacy has become very important so that one can successfully navigate through emerging technology changes. To increase the digital literacy quotient, firstly, one must keep up with the latest features and upgrades across all digital tools and software. Secondly, learn to make use of technology to simplify the tasks. It may include learning to automate and use shortcuts to improve efficiency. In addition, one must master communication and collaboration in different messaging formats.
According to Divya Baranawal, VP Research at Quadrant Knowledge Solution, adaptability and eagerness to learn should be an employee’s mantra and advice to others in the new era of constant change. Continuous learning closes the skills gap, allows for faster decisions, increases operational efficiency, and lowers costs.
Gender Neutrality in Workplace
The concept of gender neutrality at the workplace has been professed for a long time. But it is now that we are actually reaping the benefits of it. Today, we are seeing more and more organizations build a gender-neutral workplace to attract a wide variety of talent, skillsets, and perspectives. In line with this, Quadrant Knowledge Solutions has always advocated and practiced gender neutrality, not only from the hiring perspective but also by giving equal opportunity and believing in pay parity.
Today, women are champions in the workplace at all levels and are also helping each other grow. Women in leadership roles are seen as strong advocates of empowerment and change. They are becoming role models and mentors for all the other women out there. Of course, we realize that although we have made great strides in eliminating gender bias from the workplace, we haven’t yet crossed the finish line. Until then, we need to work together, lead by example, learn from each other, and help each other grow.
Advice For People in Technology Domain
Following are some gender-neutral guidelines shared by our leaders for people wanting to advance their career in the technology domain.
- Willingness to learn: New developments keep happening around the world. One should be open and willing to learn, absorb, and reflect.
- Collaboration and networking: This aspect is quite overlooked. Going out and collaborating with peers and people in different verticals, business units, and in different communities. Networking helps gain different perspectives, which is very important for flourishing.
- Finding a good mentor: Mentorship is a two-way process. While one is trying to find a good mentor for themselves, they should also try to be a mentor for someone else. This ensures the right guidance to align oneself with the organization and grow.
There is a misconception that workplace transformation costs a lot. However, this can prove to be rather counterproductive for the organization. The organization must identify and adapt to the workplace trends to improve company culture, boost employee retention, and defeat workplace complacency. This way, it will avoid missing opportunities to keep elevating the business’s value and sustain them in the long run.
Author: Sanjana Jain, Marketing Executive, Quadrant Knowledge Solutions.
